by Iris Blobel
****
After her conversation with Padraic in the morning, they had made their way downstairs where he spoilt her with many more presents before Sam was able to hand him his present—a new smartphone. He loved it. But then again, it was no surprise to her—Padraic loved all the newest gadgets on the market, but especially his phones. Without them he seemed lost.
He took hold of her hand and gently pulled her closer to him. “How about we join Mum and Dad at the church service this year?”
Sam was a bit taken aback by his suggestion. He was the one in the family who had a reason not to come to church every year.
“I’d love that,” she said.
“Well, let's get into gear then and get over there. I’ll let Mum and Dad know.”
Though Sam was not much of a churchgoer or a believer in the church, she appreciated Padraic’s idea. For her, that was what Christmas was all about—and she enjoyed the service immensely. It felt right and it felt good.
Christmas lunch was a drawn-out event with the small family all together. Padraic’s brother, Kieran, with his wife, and his two daughters were there as well. The girls’ excitement was contagious, and everyone was eager to find out what they would find under the Christmas tree, and keen to share their new presents. Before long, though, the empty stomachs convinced them all to head to the dinner table. Patricia’s roast smelled inviting. The scent of various spices accented with a touch of red wine was heavenly.
Sam enjoyed her Christmas afternoon with her in-laws for the first time in years. Time went by remarkably quickly, though, with a few games with the girls and some chatting about daily life. Sam was relieved Angus didn’t bring up the usual topic of their childless marriage and thankful that Padraic stayed away from any alcohol. She enjoyed his attention.
“Sorry, Mum, Dad, but we’ve got to go already. I still have a few things to pack for my trip tomorrow.”
Padraic’s mother took his face in her hands. “Do you have to leave already?”
Her son gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Yes, Mum. The flight is quite early in the morning. You know I like to be well-prepared.”
“Such a shame. It’s been such a nice day.”
“It has been. And that was just the best roast ever, Mum.”
Padraic’s mother showed her appreciation of the compliment. “Anyway, have a wonderful time, you two. Will we see you on New Year’s Eve?”
Sam was about to tell her about her husband’s plans to go skiing, but she didn’t have a chance. He was quicker. “We will, Mum. Thanks. And no, we will only be back a few days into the New Year.”
“Oh.”
“We’ll catch up with you then.” He took her into his arms. “Love you, Mum, and have a happy New Year.”
“Love you, too, my son. Happy New Year to you, too. And you’ll be safe, won’t you?” She turned over to Sam and gave her a hug. “Have a happy New Year, love.”
“Thanks. You too.”
They all said their goodbyes and quickly arranged a few details for Sam’s upcoming birthday before Sam and Padraic headed home.
Padraic reminisced about the day all the way back home. Obviously, he’d had a great day, but he usually did. He loved playing the new games with his nieces or checking out their new toys, albeit most of them were particularly girlish. It surprised Sam every year how much he opposed the traditions of Christmas—joking about how people could believe ‘the Jesus story’ without evidence, wondering why one had to have a decorated tree in the house, not to mention the commercial side of it—but he enjoyed every single minute of the day.
He took her hand. “Thank you so much for your present.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been eyeing this new smartphone for weeks now.”
When they arrived home, he went straight upstairs to pack his bags while Sam prepared tea for them.
A little while later, Padraic came downstairs and joined her on the lounge. “I had a grand time. Even Dad behaved.”
Sam’s smiled widened in approval. “I have to admit, we haven’t had a nice Christmas Day like that in years.”
“Merry Christmas,” he said and leaned over to give her a kiss on her cheek.
Sam’s eyes met his.
“I hope you’ll have a good time at your mum and dad’s.”
“Thanks. I’m sure I will. Mum sounded excited when I told her I’ll be staying longer than just the usual twenty-four hours.”
“I could arrange a flight for you to come for New Year’s Eve if you’d like.”
“No thanks. It’s cold enough over here. I have no intentions to go to a place that is even colder. I might check with Claire and join her at Hannah’s birthday party.”
Padraic peeked up from his cup of tea. “Who’s Hannah?”
“Claire’s sister.”
“Let me know if you change your mind. Starting the New Year without you won’t be the same.”
Sam sipped on her tea, avoiding his eyes. “Look, we’ve been through this. This is your time with your friends, and I do need to see Mum and Dad for a few days. They’re both not doing well. And after all, it’s just another day, right? We’ll toast to the New Year once you’re back. ”
He shuffled his hand through his hair.
Her voice sounded softer now. “You know I’m not the biggest fan of the snow. You arranged this trip with your friends and you should enjoy it. I’ll do my best to get a few days off in January for us to go away.” She bit her lip and tilted her head up to meet his eyes. “I’m scared, though, Padraic. I will take time off to go away, but need you to promise not to hurt me.”
Padraic nodded. “I promise.”
Chapter Sixteen
Hollie noticed the empty space next to her in bed. Where was Jeremy? Yawning, she stretched and then, with a quick flick of the wrist, threw back the duvet. The voices outside drew her to the window, and she saw her dad and Jeremy talking outside. It seemed as if Murray had finally found someone who was actually interested in his old Ute.
Murray had never taken to Jackson, Hollie’s former boyfriend. In fact, he had never liked him at all and had warned Hollie about him. "It’s something iffy about him," he’d said. She enjoyed the moment of watching Murray and Jeremy sharing their interest in cars. She shook her head in delight, quickly got dressed, and went downstairs with her little present for Jeremy.
As soon as she got downstairs, she saw Jeremy on the phone.
“Yes, princess, I’m on my way,” she heard him saying, “Nope, I’m at a friend’s place…. Yes, I do have your present…. I hope you've been a good girl.” Jeremy noticed Hollie standing next to him and gave her a kiss, but kept on with his mysterious conversation.
“Yes, it’s an outstandingly nice present. I’d love to keep it myself if I could.” He laughed. “I love you, too. See you later, princess.”
Jeremy hung up and turned to Hollie.
“How are you? Though it’s tempting to stay much longer, I had to get ready. My family is waiting, especially Mary,” he said with a grin.
“Am I allowed to ask who Mary is?” Hollie asked.
Jeremy smiled and leaned closer to her. “Mary’s someone extremely special to my heart.”
Hollie’s smile disappeared, and she moved away from him. Her chest tightened all of a sudden.
He sucked in his lips. “Still don’t completely trust me, do you?” he said after a brief moment. “Mary’s my little three-year-old niece, named after the famous Mary now living in Denmark.”
Hollie’s cheeks reddened as she remembered his present in her hands.
“I'm sorry. I think my imagination just briefly went into overdrive.” Letting out a little sigh, she handed him a little present. “I got something small for you. Not as special as what you gave me, but it’s a start. I hope you like it.”
Jeremy placed his hand around her waist and pulled her closer.
“Thank you, but spending Christmas Eve with you was the best presen
t for me.” He kissed her lips and whispered, “I thoroughly enjoyed last night.”
Hollie blushed. This was new to her, his openness of emotions and his feelings. She smiled, but looked away.
He opened the present and found a little travel guide: Explore the Different Side of Launceston.
Jeremy laughed.
She tilted her head as she watched him flicking through the book. “It’s nothing special, but the only thing I could think of.”
“I love it! Honestly do.” He placed his finger underneath her chin. “I’d give anything to spend the day with you, but my family is already anxiously waiting in Hobart. I have to go now, but I’d love to give you a call tonight.” His mouth curved into a smile. “And no, thinking of it, you’re not allowed to answer. I have a feeling, in true Hollie fashion, I will get some odd response.”
She poked her tongue out at him. “Well, it’s just that you spent the last twelve hours here. Why would you ring?”
Amusement flickered in his eyes. “I knew it! How about I would like to call you, so when I go to bed I can still hear your voice in my head?”
She had to think that through!
Jeremy choked back a smile, took her face into his hands and gently kissed her again.
“Thanks again for the present,” he said, and then he went off to the car and left for Hobart. Hollie was still in a daze when Murray came over and wished her a merry Christmas with a fat big grin on his face.
Chapter Seventeen
The Christmas days had gone by quickly, and Hollie and Alex went along to the New Year’s Eve party at Davo’s. The two friends had been able only to briefly catch up on Boxing Day, as Ben had invited Alex out for a picnic at Devonport.
“I can’t believe that Ben, of all people, organised a romantic picnic.” Hollie giggled, but stopped as soon as she saw Alex’s stern look.
“What?” she asked.
“Just because he’s the funny bloke doesn’t mean he’s not romantic. You’d be surprised how romantic he can actually be. The other night—”
“Too much information!” Hollie interrupted her, and they both laughed.
Alex wrapped her arms around her girlfriend. “I’m just so happy! Anyway, talking about the men, have you heard from Jeremy, yet?”
Hollie smiled. Yes, she had.
“Ladies. Having a good time?”
Hollie and Alex turned around, startled by Davo’s booming voice.
“You’ve done very well, Davo,” Alex said.
“Thanks, but I did have some help from a few people.”
Hollie hooked her arm around Davo’s. “Here I am about to compliment you on your female touch with the decorating, and you actually don’t even deserve it.”
“You’re walking on thin ice here, Hollie.” His lips curved into a grin. “Not sure whether Jez would forgive me if I locked you in the cupboard for the rest of the night.”
Hollie gave Davo a kiss on the cheek. “You wouldn’t do that. You just like me too much.”
Davo shook his head. “Women!”
The girls laughed and wandered off to get a drink.
When Hollie heard Jeremy’s voice amongst the crowd just before midnight, her face lit up.
“Hello, Mr. Busybody.”
“Hi, Twinkles.” He came closer and gave her a kiss. “Have I missed anything?”
“Not at all. Heaps of gossiping, heaps of Christmas stories, and heaps of good food.”
“What about drinks? Can I get you a drink?”
Hollie tried to avoid his eyes. “No thanks. I still have to drive home later on.”
“Don’t you camp over like everyone else?”
Hollie stared at him as if he should have known her reasons, but he didn’t and asked, “What?”
“I have no intention of waking in front of everyone all sweaty and embarrassed. Bad enough I have these dreams. I do not want to make a public announcement of it.”
“Sorry, I didn’t think of that.” Jeremy leaned forward, placed his hand around her waist, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Would you like to grab a taxi later on and camp at my place? You can still enjoy the breakfast here tomorrow morning without having to rush to get back to the farm.”
“Hello, you two lovebirds.” Ben interrupted the couple and toasted Jeremy with his beer. “Since when have you hooked up?”
Hollie and Jeremy weren’t able to comment, though. Ben was already off again. They both smiled. Hollie noticed Jeremy’s eyes on her when she was still deep in thought about what Ben had said.
“I cannot believe a girl like you who’s so happy and seemingly content is so apprehensive of my nearness. Hollie, I stayed on your couch on Christmas Eve. We can do that again if you’re still concerned about my company.”
Hollie took his face into her hands and moved closer. “Please don’t think like that. I like being with you. I actually thought of you every day last week. I missed you so much—” She paused when she saw his grin, which quickly disappeared.
“Sorry, Hollie, but this kind of honesty out of your mouth is new, unusual and—” but he stopped, and she knew that he noticed her face showing a touch of disapproval. “Sorry, you were saying?”
“I was saying, before you rudely interrupted me, that even though I missed you last week—” She paused to emphasise to him not to interrupt again “—I wish you could just believe me that there’s nothing more embarrassing than waking up like I did last week. I just wish it would go away.”
“So I take it you will stay over then, because that way I can be there when you wake, and hold you, and kiss you better.”
“You don’t take no for an answer, do you? Never mind that I haven’t got my PJs or any toiletries,” Hollie said.
“Women!” Jeremy raked his hand through his hair. “Nothing that can’t be fixed. Deal, then!”
He checked his watch and went off to get the drink for Hollie. The New Year was fast approaching, and she asked him to make sure to be back in time. She noticed he watched her while she was talking to Alex and Davo, and a shiver went down her spine. Hollie couldn’t be happier.
****
The group of friends was standing outside in the back yard when they started counting down the clock. As soon as it struck midnight, they all shouted, “Happy New Year, everyone!” Jeremy wasn’t able to take his eyes off Hollie and noticed yet again how beautiful she was with that smile and the quiet joy in her eyes.
He leaned forward whispering, “Happy New Year, Twinkles.”
Hollie smiled, but before she was able to say anything in return, he was touching her lips in a soft kiss.
As soon as his lips left hers, she opened her eyes and said, “Happy New Year.”
Jeremy saw a smile break on her face when they suddenly heard Alex’s voice, “Happy New Year, you two.”
Hollie moved out of Jeremy’s arms and gave Alex a big hug.
“Happy New Year, my wonderful Alex, and thank you for everything. Love you!”
After what seemed like an eternity, they were hugging all their friends and greeting the New Year in style. Jeremy moved back and watched the group from the outside. This is going to be a great year, he thought, watching Hollie embrace her friends, one after the other, happily enjoying the first moments of the New Year. Happy and carefree—which made him think of her dreams. He shook his head and knew he somehow had to help her.
It was already early morning when Jeremy and Hollie decided to leave. The party was still going, but she’d had enough, which suited Jeremy well. He’d had a long day at the office and was tired. Once the taxi arrived, he held the taxi door open, and they sat inside.
Jeremy’s house was, indeed, only a short drive away. “Big car, now a big house as well,” she teased him. “I’m impressed. Not to mention the location!”
“Took me a while to find it, too.”
Hollie followed him through the entrance, up onto the landing and through the back of the house to the bedrooms.
“It’s…wow…
it’s something all right.”
Hollie had counted three bedrooms so far and then gave up. She was too tired.
“This is the master bedroom, with the ensuite over there through the door. I got you a towel, toothbrush, and an old T-shirt you can wear tonight.”
“Thanks,” was all Hollie was able to say.
****
Hollie took everything in and was impressed by what she saw. She liked the spacious room with the two big windows.
When Jeremy returned, he handed her the things, and she wandered off into the bathroom. As she studied the décor more closely, her skin broke out in goosebumps. She was standing in someone else’s shower and she liked it. Happy New Year, Hollie! She smiled. Please let this be a happier and better year for me.
Hollie quickly dried herself and pulled the T-shirt over her head. About three sizes too big, but it’ll do. She laughed as she stepped out of the bathroom and saw Jeremy on the bed with his laptop.
“You never stop, do you?”
“I just had to make sure a few things are down pat for tomorrow.”
Hollie closed the laptop. “It’s New Year's Day—and even that only for a few hours. Nobody works, and if they do, I’m sure they’re happy to wait for another ten hours.”
Jeremy’s stare was like a heavy weight, and she worried she might have overstepped her mark. After all, he was a successful businessman, probably because of his dedication.
Though Jeremy’s eyebrows flickered upwards, a slow smile crept across his face as he leaned over to give her a kiss. “Sorry, I suppose it’s just a habit of mine. I promise to be better.”
Then he went into the bathroom, and the last thing Hollie heard was the noise of the water in the shower before she found a good sleep quickly, despite the fact that she was in an unfamiliar bed.
****
“Good morning,” Jeremy said.
When Hollie opened her eyes, it took her a while to remember where she was.
“Hi there,” she said quietly, still half-asleep.